THE RIALTO

CENTER FOR CREATIVITY

CULTURE. COLLABORATION. CREATIVITY.

The Rialto Center for Creativity is a gathering place and creative space for distinctive live performances, cultural conversations, and hands-on learning. The revitalized building is the first-of-its-kind in Westfield, with flexible, multi-purpose spaces including:

  • Professionally equipped, flexible performance space accommodates up to 450 people for live performances, films, lectures, and special events

  • Four multi-use classrooms and studios for classes, workshops, rehearsals, and rentals

  • Gallery spaces featuring emerging and renowned local and regional artists

  • A catering kitchen for use in private events

  • A café open to the public

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

Rendering courtesy of Mills + Schnoering Architects

The Rialto will deliver diverse programs that enrich the cultural fabric of Westfield and its neighbors through performances, exhibits, film screenings, conversations, meetings, and more. It’s a place for community collaboration, artistic exchange, and programming for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The Rialto is more than just a community space—it is where culture is uncovered, collaboration is fostered, and creativity is inspired and celebrated.

A smiling man with short reddish brown hair, wearing a black blazer over a light blue collared shirt, sitting outdoors near a brick wall.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

“We centered the Rialto mission around creativity because it is broader than the arts. The arts are a vital and celebrated expression of human imagination and include music, theater, film, dance, and literature. Creativity is broader — it is the spark that fuels innovation in every field, from performance and visual art to science, business, and education.

By focusing on creativity, we open our doors not only to artists, but also to thinkers, makers, and problem-solvers of all kinds.

We hope to see that spirit come to life across our stages and gallery spaces, in conversations and talks, and in classrooms where the community can experiment and grow.”

— Bill Crandall

With a $5M anonymous private donation, funding from generous local foundations, and Union County, and an anticipated grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program, we’re now working to raise the funding for capital and operations through community campaigns and interim events. 


Learn about our plans to make this vision a reality and how you can help support the Rialto.

Black and white photo of a vintage theater building with a marquee advertising films and performances. Classic cars parked in front of the building along the street.

OUR HISTORY

The story of the Rialto goes back almost as far as Westfield’s history as an official town. Built in 1922 during the height of movie theater construction, the Rialto was one of thousands of “movie palaces” in the United States, serving as a luxurious venue to watch movies in comfort and style.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, film secured its stronghold as an American pastime, and the Rialto became an iconic staple of Westfield life. Under the buzzing, neon-green glow of the marquee, residents of all ages gathered to experience the magic of the cinema. For some, the Rialto was a place for making memories through date nights, birthday parties, and family outings. For others, the Rialto was the birthplace of their passion for creativity and the arts. Whether a casual movie-goer or a future-filmmaker, composer, poet, or dancer, everyone left the Rialto feeling changed by what they saw on the silver screen.

With the multiplex and megaplex boom of the late 20th century, local movie theaters like the Rialto faced competition, and many were forced to close their doors. The Rialto met this fate in 2019 after 97 years of service. After it closed, the Rialto faced an uncertain future; it was unclear what, if anything, would become of it. A group of Westfield residents came together to develop a plan to save the venue, even as the iconic building stood empty, faced extreme damages from a devastating flood, and witnessed an unprecedented global pandemic that shook the future of the arts.

A big, bold vision was formed: not just to save the Rialto, but to revitalize it into something that impacts Westfield in a brand-new way. Thanks to a generous $5 million donation from an anonymous Westfield resident, the vision for the Rialto Center for Creativity could finally be transformed into a reality.

Large white quotation mark symbols on a black background.

As a long-time Westfield resident, I was inspired by the mission of the Rialto Center for Creativity and felt compelled to jump-start this transformative initiative to bring arts and cultural education to downtown Westfield.

Having grown up in NYC, I was accustomed to having easy access to art, books, music, and culture, and saw firsthand how an arts and education center, like the 92nd Street Y, can bring neighbors together. I see the same potential for the Rialto to serve as an arts anchor for our downtown and bring economic and cultural vitality to Westfield.

I can think of no better way to preserve and transform our beloved Rialto theater to serve future generations of Westfielders than delivering on the mission of the Rialto. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards the reincarnation of a downtown landmark where neighbors and communities can come together to dream, learn, and create.”

— Anonymous $5 Million Donor

A U.S. Navy sailor poses for a portrait outside the Rialto Theatre, circa 1940s.

A U.S. Navy sailor poses for a portrait outside the Rialto Theatre, circa 1940s.

Local Boy Scouts gather in front of the Rialto Theatre, circa 1940s.

Local Boy Scouts gather in front of the Rialto Theatre, circa 1940s.

The Wychwood Corporation offices, the original development company behind the Rialto Theatre, circa 1920s.

The Wychwood Corporation offices, the original development company behind the Rialto Theatre, circa 1920s.

Promotional ad for Will Rogers in Mr. Skitch, displayed at the Rialto Theatre, 1933.

Promotional ad for Will Rogers in Mr. Skitch, displayed at the Rialto Theatre, 1933.

Poster promoting a World War II War Bond rally held at the Rialto Theatre, early 1940s.

Poster promoting a World War II War Bond rally held at the Rialto Theatre, early 1940s.

The gala opening of the Rialto Theatre in downtown Westfield, 1922.

The gala opening of the Rialto Theatre in downtown Westfield, 1922.

Children and adults protesting outside the Rialto theater, holding signs, in 1996, to save the theater from retail development, with a marquee advertising a screening of 'Twelfth Night' with Michael Collins.

Children and adults protesting outside the Rialto theater, holding signs, in 1996, to save the theater from retail development, with a marquee advertising a screening of 'Twelfth Night' with Michael Collins.